This is a desirable example of a 1900 DWM "American Eagle" Luger as developed and sold to the U.S. Government after the turn of the century for U.S. testing and field trials. In April 1900, the U.S. Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1,000 DWM Model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots; approximately 800 on 26 October 1901 and the remaining 200 on 29 October 1901. A list of recorded serial numbers can be seen on page 387 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920" by Meadows/Ellis, with this Luger 7 digits off of another listed. These early American Eagle test Lugers were made expressly for the U.S. military when they were interested in the Luger as a replacement for the .38 caliber revolvers that were in service in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The three most distinguishing features noted on all these Lugers are no German acceptance proof marks, they lack the typical "Germany" export markings usually found on the front of the frame or under the barrel and the last two digits of the serial number are stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the takedown lever. Another feature found on some but not all test Lugers is a small German ordnance bomb proof that resembles the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof, which this example has stamped underneath the chamber area of the barrel extension. While the Lugers had a number of virtues, they weren't what the military was looking for and it was decided that the large bore automatic was the wave of the future. The survivors of the testing were declared surplus and released for public sale by way of Bannerman's. Fixed sights, with the large American Eagle on top of the chamber, and correctly no proof marks or "GERMANY" markings. The small parts are straw finished, with checkered grips and a correct nickel finished magazine with a walnut base and faintly visible bomb proof on the bottom of the magazine.

Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 95% blue finish and 80% straw colors. The professionally made replacement grips are also very fine with crisp checkering. The bolt hold open does not properly function, otherwise mechanically excellent.